When the Messenger is Hot by Elizabeth Crane evokes memories of the former primetime television series Ally McBeal. Like Ally, the women in this collection of short stories are successful, lovelorn and zany.

Figuratively speaking, they are women who wear lace pantyhose and combat boots.

While Crane's stream-of-consciousness style is humorous, her female characters become slightly redundant. Their thoughts revolve around men, personal insecurities and men. Many of them have drinking problems and are recklessly promiscuous in their quests for significance and true love.

A book that is supposed to female liberation confines them to Ally McBeal personalities. Nevertheless, many of the short stories are entertaining quick reads. In "Something Shiny," narrator Wendy's autobiography is being made into a film. The movie's star, Apple, moves in with Wendy in order to study her daily life. The story takes an eerie turn as Apple begins talking, dressing and acting like Wendy. Apple deceives Wendy's friends about her identity at Alcoholics Anonymous and begins to date her ex-boyfriend.

"The Super Fantastic New Zealand Triangle" shows how absorbed one woman becomes in a dream about being swept away by a married movie star.

If an easy laugh is what you are after, When the Messenger is Hot will meet that need. However, if you are seeking a celebration of girl power, the stories are not for you. These women give a bad name to femininity.

-- Reviewed by Nicole Stitt